Eastern Fox Snake
Pantherophis vulpinus
A stout blotched constrictor of the Great Lakes wetlands and prairies, closely related to the western fox snake.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
- Range
- Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Ohio, and southern Ontario
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Overview
The eastern fox snake occupies wetland edges and prairie remnants around the Great Lakes, sharing many traits with its western counterpart including a musky defensive odor and a rattlesnake-like tail-vibrating display. It is considered a species of conservation concern in parts of its limited range due to habitat loss.
It hunts rodents, birds, and eggs in marshes, dunes, and grasslands, often near water.
How to identify it
- Tan to yellowish-brown ground color
- Large dark brown blotches down the back
- Reddish or coppery head coloring in some individuals
- Weakly keeled scales; stout build
- Round pupils, lacks a rattle
Habitat & range
Found in marshes, wet prairies, dune systems, and agricultural edges around the Great Lakes, particularly Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal, hunting rodents, birds, and eggs by constriction. Uses musk release and tail vibration defensively. Lays eggs in early summer in moist, sheltered sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the eastern fox snake venomous?
No, it is nonvenomous.
Is it endangered?
It is considered a species of conservation concern in parts of its range due to wetland habitat loss.
How does it defend itself?
It releases a musky odor and vibrates its tail rapidly when threatened, though it has no venom or rattle.
Eastern Fox Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Eastern Fox Snake.
Eastern Fox Snake identified by the community
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